The BBC (via) reports that the Advertising Standards Authority has banned its viral advert (online advert designed to be circulated by internet users).

The video clip - entitled Blood on the Carpet and made by Maverick Media for Midway Games - shows a fight breaking out at a board meeting between men in suits, accompanied by text saying “cut meetings short”.

One man’s heart is ripped out and another man is decapitated.

The advert’s creators said was meant to be humorous, but the ASA said it had had one complaint and that the advert was irresponsible, since it glorified violence and some scenes could be emulated.

The clip appeared on two websites which carry viral adverts. The site owners said they had not received any complaints.

Given the ASA’s assertion that “some scenes could be emulated,” I think it may be safer to avoid any meetings at their ofices from now on.

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